Lives Well Lived

Peter Singer & Kasia de Lazari Radek

Lives Well Lived is hosted by Peter Singer & Kasia de Lazari Radek. Episodes consist of interviews with remarkable guests who have lived well, both in the sense of living an ethical life, but also in that they are fulfilled and happy with what they have achieved in their lives. Some of these guests will be well-known figures, but others who are doing extraordinary things will be unfamiliar to almost all of our listeners. The conversations will often cover ground that involves ethics, how to live well, and how to make a positive difference in the world. It will inspire and empower its audience to change their own lives for the better.

Producer - Rachel Barrett

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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87 episodes
Updated July 23

Episodes87

Newest first

Jun 26, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
TALI SHAROT exposes the optimism bias
Cognitive neuroscientist Tali Sharot explores the role of optimism in our lives, examining why individuals often maintain personal hope despite collective anxiety. She explains the concept of optimism bias, how anticipation shapes happiness and memory. Learn more about the Digital Diet and download the chrome plug-in Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 19, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
JOSHUA GREENE has a solution to our divided world
Joshua Greene is an experimental psychologist and neuroscientist, and Professor of Psychology at Harvard University. Joshua shares insights into how evolutionary psychology underpins group cooperation and the challenges of expanding moral circles. Josh also reflects on his personal feelings of hope and commitment towards fostering a more unified and cooperative society. Learn more about Josh and read his books! Learn more about Giving Multiplier (code LIVESWELLLIVED) Learn more about Tango & sign up for The Game Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Jun 5, 2025 · 1 hr 13 min
CYAN BANISTER: from homelessness to angel investor
Cyan Banister is an angel investor and entrepreneur renowned for her early investments in transformative tech companies such as Uber, SpaceX, DeepMind, and Postmates. Banister's path to success was unconventional, she experienced homelessness as a teenager and dropped out of high school. Through self-education and determination, she became a self-taught engineer, holding key roles at a cybersecurity startup acquired by Cisco for $850 million. Learn more about Cyan Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 29, 2025 · 1 hr 24 min
SLAVOJ ZIZEK: why happiness is overrated
Slavoj Žižek is a Slovenian philosopher and cultural theorist known for his provocative blend of Marxism, Hegelian philosophy, and Lacanian psychoanalysis, he remains one of the most influential and polarising intellectuals in contemporary thought. Slajov gets into the catastrophe of love, and ultimately whether the pursuit of happiness should be the goal in life. Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
CASS SUNSTEIN: the government has ways to mind control you
Cass Sunstein is a prominent American legal scholar, behavioural economist, and professor at Harvard Law School. Cass explores the concept of nudging and libertarian paternalism, addressing ethical concerns around manipulation and autonomy. He reflects on climate justice, the moral duties of high-emission countries, and global accountability in climate policy. Learn more about Cass and read his books! Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 15, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
LAWRENCE KRAUSS thinks you are cosmically insignificant
Lawrence Krauss is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist renowned for his work in particle physics, cosmology, and science communication. Krauss explores the idea of cosmic insignificance and the absence of inherent meaning in the universe, emphasising the importance of appreciating the rarity of life, whilst exploring fundamental questions about the universe and human existence. Learn more about Lawrence and listen to The Origins Podcast Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 8, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
RUTGER BREGMAN is fighting a battle against moral apathy
Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian, author, and public intellectual renowned for his progressive ideas on social and economic reform. Rutger advocates for channeling ambition into social impact, encouraging career shifts toward solving major problems. He promotes ideas like universal basic income, effective altruism, and combating factory farming. Watch the Profit For Good conference live stream from Amsterdam on June 11 Learn more about Rutger and read his books! Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 1, 2025 · 57 min
ELIZABETH BARNES: is disability a burden or a blessing?
Elizabeth Barnes is an author and Professor of philosophy at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, she reflects on her unconventional journey into philosophy, and her experience living with disabilities. Learn more about Elizabeth and read her books! Donate to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Donate to The Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson's Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! If you would like to support the podcast please consider our Patreon Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi, and Chris van Ryn! And special thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 24, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
THOMAS NAGEL thinks you are wrong about the understanding of the universe
Thomas Nagel is an American philosopher known for exploring consciousness, ethics, and the limits of scientific explanation. He is best known for his essay "What Is It Like to Be a Bat?" . Thomas discusses the challenge of understanding the subjective experience, and calls for a broader view of reality that encompasses both mental and physical dimensions. Beyond philosophy of mind, Nagel discusses ethical issues, such as the difficulty of comparing the suffering of different species and the tensions between impartial moral theories and personal loyalties. Read: What Is It Like to Be a Bat? Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi And special thanks to Suzi Jamil Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 17, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
ARTHUR C. BROOKS: why chasing money and escaping pain won't make you happy
Arthur C. Brooks is an American social scientist, author, and speaker known for his research on happiness, philanthropy, and public policy, and for his work as a former president of the American Enterprise Institute. Arthur leads this discussion exploring the concept of happiness from interdisciplinary perspectives, bridging philosophy, neuroscience, and behavioural science. Read Arthur's column in the Atlantic: How to Build a Life Read 'There's a Lesson to Learn from Daniel Kahneman's Death' in the New York Times Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi And special thanks to Suzi Jamil Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 10, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
ANTONIO DAMASIO: why everything you think you know about consciousness is dead wrong
Antonio Damasio is a Portuguese-American neuroscientist and author renowned for his research on the brain, emotions, and consciousness. Antonio reflects on his groundbreaking work on the brain, the impact of brain injuries on behaviour, and the connection between physical states and mental processes. Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi And special thanks to Suzi Jamil Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Apr 3, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
SIGAL SAMUEL: why saving strangers might make you a villain
Sigal Samuel is a writer, editor, and journalist known for her work on religion, technology, and ethics. Sigal shares her value-driven approach to life, offering insights into moral decision-making, ethical giving, and the complexities of modern ethical dilemmas. Got an ethical dilemma? reach out to Sigal at her advice column Your Mileage May Vary Read Future Perfect Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi And special thanks to Suzi Jamil Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 27, 2025 · 58 min
DAVID DUCHOVNY: the dark secrets behind fame and conspiracy theories
David Duchovny is an actor, writer, director, and musician, best known for his iconic role as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder in The X-Files. David explores the fine line between conspiracy and reality, the ethics of innovation, and the spiritual dimensions of human existence. Listen to David's Podcast! Fail Better with David Duchovny Read David's Book! Holy Cow Listen to David's Album! Gesture Land Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Audio Producer: Stuart Buckland Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi And special thanks to Suzi Jamil Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 20, 2025 · 51 min
MICHAEL PLANT shares the 2025 World Happiness Report
Michael Plant is the founding director of the Happier Lives Institute, he discusses the concept of happiness, its definitions, and global wellbeing. Michael shares insights from the newly released 2025 World Happiness Report, highlighting effective charities and the role of global happiness in public policy. Read the 2025 World Happiness Report Learn more about the Happier Lives Institute Learn about Action for Happiness Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 13, 2025 · 1 hr 1 min
ANNA LEMBKE on breaking free of addiction
Anna Lembke is an American psychiatrist, addiction expert, and author known for her research and clinical work on substance use, behavioural addictions, and the impact of opioids on the brain. Learn more about Anna Lembke and read her books! Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Mar 6, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
ROBERT SAPOLSKY tells us why free will is an illusion
Robert Sapolsky is an academic, author, neuroscientist, and primatologist, who has studied wild baboons in Kenya over a 25 year period. Robert explores how stress and social hierarchies affect baboon health and behaviour and how these findings parallel human experiences in societal structures. Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 27, 2025 · 50 min
SAFEENA HUSAIN wants to educate girls and end intergenerational cycles of poverty
Safeena Husain is the founder of Educate Girls, a non-profit organisation that is focussed on mobilising communities for girls’ education in India’s rural areas. Safeena discusses the critical importance of combating deep-rooted cultural and patriarchal biases in favour of girls' educations, and the widespread issue of 122 million girls globally not in school and the dire consequences this has, including early marriage, increased maternal mortality, and intergenerational cycles of poverty. Find out more at The Life You Can Save & support Educate Girls Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 20, 2025 · 1 hr 12 min
PROFIT FOR GOOD: building businesses that donate 100% of their profits to charity
Adam McCurdie and Josh Ross, founders of Humanitix, and Alex Amouyel, CEO of Newman's Own Foundation talk about whether the example their companies set can transform capitalism. Find out more about Newman's Own Find out more about Humanitix Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 13, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
MOBY on fame, punk rock activism, and animal liberation
Moby is a musician, songwriter, author, and animal rights activist. Moby explores the intersection of making groundbreaking music, and the philosophical & ethical implications of animal rights activism, offering a profound look at how personal experiences and cultural paradigms shape our choices and advocacy. Find out more about Moby Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Feb 6, 2025 · 1 hr 5 min
RICHARD LAYARD: are governments keeping you unhappy?
Richard Layard is a British Labour Economist, a member of the House of Lords, and co-editor of the World Happiness Report. Layard highlights the role of life satisfaction and wellbeing in government policy, and the importance of addressing mental health through public initiatives. He speaks to his research findings on wellbeing, including the the influence of genetic, environmental, and cultural determinants of happiness. Keep up to date with Peter on Substack Keep up to date with Kasia! Executive Producer: Rachel Barrett Thanks to our volunteer researchers Hendrik Dahlmeier and Mihika Chechi Special Thanks to Suzi Jamil! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.